Exclusive News: Timeless & Crimson Earth

Have you ever had news you wanted to scream about but didn't dare whisper?

I've been writing. But that's not the news. I finished writing...for the moment. Friday I shot Timeless--third book in the Maiden of Time trilogy--to my editor. Now if you have experience in publishing, you know what that means, but for those who don't...

It's not done.

What? But you just sent it off to the editor. It MUST be done.

*laughs*

In a couple days I anticipate sitting down with my editor's notes and rewriting as much as half of the book.

BUT we're on the down slope. Around the baby, it's a day I wasn't sure would ever come. I kept hearing from readers who are excitedly anticipating the final installment of the series and feeling the pressure. Suddenly, it's here! The story is done. Ish.

And something really strange has happened. This is a series I've been mentally plotting since 2003. 13 years. Typing those final chapters was like dumping core memories onto the digital page. They were no longer inside me.

I felt strangely empty.

And complete.

Part of me began to wonder if on a subconscious level I'd been stalling to remain in the story a little while longer. Or hording my story. It's only a matter of time now until it is out in the world.

I've received a mock-up cover from the publisher (This isn't it. Hah!) and in the next couple months I'll be finishing the book while gearing up for the release tour and launch. Watch for TIMELESS, final installment in the Maiden of Time trilogy this fall.

Have you ever put off completing a project to enjoy it longer?

 

Now it's giveaway time!

I read the first book in this series, and I admit, I haven't read the second one yet--because I'm going to binge read both when the 3rd one comes out. (And love every second!) I highly recommend the series.

Aeva Storm finally has the answers she’s been looking for since the night she was struck by lightning. She knows who she is—and more importantly, what she is. But her secret isn’t hers alone to keep, and some of those who know the truth will do anything to control her.

In the sequel to the acclaimed Violet Storm, Aeva must decide how far she’ll go to protect her identity and to find her missing sister in a world she hardly recognizes. She must embrace her new life—and her strange new body—if she hopes to save the only place she and her family have left to call home.

Filled with action, mystery, and heartbreak, Crimson Earth finds Aeva, Ruven, and Karth on opposing sides as the war between The False Alliance and the Monarchy draws near.

Can they band together to fight against the evil threatening the City? Or will they destroy each other before the war has even begun?

Get your copy HERE.

Ready to meet the author?

Anna Soliveres has always been a storyteller but it wasn't until her early twenties when she began writing novel length works. The result was an enthusiasm to get better at the craft until her work could be shared with the world. As with all writer's, she is an avid reader. You'll likely find Anna lost behind a novel or nonfiction work. If she's not reading, she's probably binge-watching a series on Netflix or Amazon, in search of inspiration, taking her imagination beyond words and into the realm of visual storytelling. She grew up (or rather, remained forever ensnared) in the world of anime, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Harry Potter, and all things with "Super" or "Hero" in the title. Her debut novel, VIOLET STORM released March 2014. To learn more, please visit her at www.annasoliveres.com. 

Anna gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to an eBook of VIOLET STORM and CRIMSON EARTH! (Open Internationally.)

You have until Tuesday, March 1 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on March 2, 8 a.m EDT.

TRUTH OR LIE

1. Anna was once surprised by a friend whom she thought was coming to visit her, only to be roped to go for coffee and an awkward trip to the Museum. It later occurred to her that she was being taken on a date.
2. She saw the movie, Momma Mia, starring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, and Pierce Brosnan; finding no luck in her dating life, she was convinced Greece might offer her the perfect romantic opportunity.
3. A date once broke up with her and then immediately offered her a donut.

So sleuths, which is the lie? How about it? Have you procrastinated to enjoy something longer? Are you as excited as I am about Timeless? Have you seen Anna's books? Picked one up? (You should. You really should.)

Procrastination

Things I have been procrastinating:

Laundry

Responding to email

Blogging

Reading Pride and Prejudice

Overcoming my tom boy roots, I finally broke down and did the last one. How did I make it past 30 and NOT read the #1 book on 90% of women's lists? 

*sigh* 

So, it's time to amend some of the other things I've been putting off, namely thanking and passing on the love from these AWESOME awards.

First, from my amazing friend Kerri Cuevas who manages a farm, writes, and hosts fantabulous Choose Your Own Adventure bloghops....

Yay! Thank you Kerri, I love you!

So to pass on the love the recipient must:

1. Thank the person who nominated you

2. Write a post about the answers to the questions

3. AND nominate other bloggers and let them know

Questions:

1. Favorite color: PEARL. I know, I know, it's kind of a cheat because pearl encompasses the entire rainbow, but the truth is as a little girl my favorite color was a mix of iridescent blue, pink and purple which can only adequately be captured in pearl.

2. Favorite Animal: Eagle. Get some perspective, eh?

3. Favorite Number: 49, I mean it's perfection squared. 

4. Favorite Non-Alcoholic Drink: Water...er Apple Cider?

5. Facebook or Twitter: Yes. (*ahem* I'm on Facebook most, but like Twitter more.) And why isn't Goodreads an option, eh?

6. My Passions: My family, education, music, orchestral composition, singing, theater, WRITING, reading, acting, drawing, the outdoors and star gazing.  

7. Getting or Giving Presents: Giving. 

8. Favorite Pattern: Random--like nature

9. Favorite Flower: ... Did I mention I was kind of a tom boy?

And now for the amazing people I'm nominating....

1. Misha Gericke
2. Sharon K Mayhew
3. Sigal Wilnai Tzoore
4. Nutschell Anne Windsor
5. Cherie Colyer

And if that wasn't enough, I've been putting this one off too. Nutschell is amazing and supportive and an incredible blogger over at The Writing Nut. Every time I interact with her I end up with a smile on my face. Thank you Nutchell for the: ---------------------------->

And now the rulz:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award

2. Name 7 little known facts about yourself

3. Nominate other bloggers

Seven little know facts... I guess my love of cheese is out the window...

1. My name is literally Chicken. Or was. C (first initial) + (maiden name) Hicken= C.Hicken.

2. I home school my 3 kids. Like, every day. Like, all day. Yup.

3. Speaking of kids, my son is named Random. Yes, it's partially after his Dad's sense of humor, but it's also partially after my special needs brother Randy who passed away a year before our son was born.


4. I wrote a musical. (Libretto and orchestral music.) No, I'm not talking roadshow or stage play. I'm talking 2.5 hrs of PURE MUSIC AWESOMENESS. And one day (when we crack down on our producer) it's going to go somewhere. =)



5. I used to believe I was one of Santa's elves. Even had a shirt with a rainbow heart on it I could press and open the gateway to the north pole--you know, like a Star Trek call button. (I know, I'm a geek.)


       6. I grew up in Utah and have STILL never been skiing. That's like a crime, right?


7. I'm a medieval times fanatic. Ask me lore. Ask me folk/fairy tales. Ask me fashion. Ask me torture devices. I mean...er...

And my AWESOME nominees:

1. Theresa Milstein
2. Nicole Zoltak
3. J.C Martin
4. Erica and Christy
5. Susan Fields

LASTLY (--as if this blog post hasn't gone on for long enough--) a quick thank you to the blogger known as Far Away Eyes for the Versatile Blogger award!

So friends, now that I've shared far TOO MUCH about myself, tell me something unique and awesome about you!

Goal=Get Out And Live

Distractions are abundant. Right now an adorable one is padding back and forth behind me, making faces that  tempt me to grab the camera and follow him for the rest of the day. Another is wobbling teeth in what I swear is going to be an entirely tooth-less mouth before long. Another is singing a tune he composed yesterday, making me ache to jump to the piano and knock out a few of my own inventions...

But I can't.

See, tomorrow is the deadline. I'm not a procrastinator. I've been nimbly ambling along for an entire month...and now October is almost here. Tomorrow is the last day.

AND (speaking of pleasant distractions) I was awarded the Versatile Blogger by A.E Martin, Cheryl, and Barbara V. Evers. Thank you ladies! Can you feel the love? 

The RULES: 
1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass this Award along to recently discovered blogs and let them know about it!

1. Bess Weatherby: A NYC nanny who's kicking trash and tunneling out her own writing path while working in a world of total insanity. (Meaning NYC.)

2. Mary Waibel: For surviving the upstate NY cold, I applaud you. 

3. Pk Hrezo: If you haven't met her yet, digitally speaking, she's a must. 

4. Matthew Rush: Whose blog is all about the acquisition of Query Warrior Monk skills. 

5. Rachele Alpine: Being another BUSY individual, she finds time to write meaningful blog entries. 


So seven things about myself (as if two weeks ago wasn't revealing/embarrassing enough)...




1. I wrote and illustrated my first book while in the 2nd grade, including a surprise ending. (And no, it wasn't a school assignment.)

2. Once in a universe long ago and far away I was the best unicorn artist in the galaxy. (3 yr old artist, that is.)





3. My brothers were determined to train me into a ninja. (Ask. I know all about stealth and technique.)






4. I had a "My Girl" relationship. Instead of dying he moved to Idaho and builds violins. 

5. I auditioned and made it into a madrigal choir with over 350 applicants for 12 spots.


6. I still can't dance, despite #5.



7. The daughter of a 20+ year scout master, I can pack it, hike it, repel into it, spelunk it, scuba it, ascend it, and rough it. High adventure, you are my friend.  

See what I mean about distractions? Now I want to go hiking. Oh how I miss my mountains...

*Ahem* Tomorrow is the last day. Enough with distractions (you wonderful blog-a-rific world!), I have a draft to finish.

What's keeping you from your goals today? Have you recently reached a goal? If so, what did you do to celebrate?

Faux and the Inner Fire: Never Giving Up

I recently participated in a facebook discussion on an abundance of “unfinished” works. A fellow writer talked about putting away the works she doesn’t think she’ll ever finish—essentially banishing them from mind and heart.

Ouch.

It got me thinking. See, I’ve got this hang up. After an inspiring dream or a new idea hits, I’m on fire. Can’t stop thinking about the possibilities. Can’t stop planning. Can’t stop the character’s conversations in my head. The computer is my best friend, and the pillow is my outlining board. For a few weeks it’s the only thing I want to do—writing that story. For a few weeks. Eighty pages in my foot gets caught in the web of editing, and it’s all over.

 I recently read an article by David S. Goyer, the screenwriter of The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, Blade, and many many other big box shows. He says anyone can write a great first act. To quote Goyer:

“The trick is moving past Act One into the inevitable, sagging Act Two. Many writers bottom out in the middle of their scripts – the point where they actually have to start weaving the various storylines together. They get depressed, they procrastinate, they flounder. I do it as well. Even now, I frequently find myself questioning the merit of any given project when I’m in the middle of it.

“But it’s important to resist the temptation to jump back to Act One and begin endlessly rewriting it. Rewriting Act One before plowing through Act Two is just an elaborate form of procrastination. More often than not, fine-tuning Act One will simply result in further demoralizing you. And honestly, how can you be revising Act One when you haven’t even finished the rest of the draft?”

 Way to go Mr. Goyer.

SO, here I go, back to a story I started in 2005. For the next couple months I’ll be writing 1,000 to 2,000 words a day until I can slam that first draft on the desk and say, “Ha!” My official WIP is:


Faux Pas

Ugly, socially inept Faux (Fox) never hoped for more than a boyfriend by the time her seventeenth birthday rolled around. Alone—abandoned by both career-parents on her special day, she lit the candle. “Make a wish!” She sighed, blew out the cake, and exploded, literally.

Seems there’s one or two things mom and dad hadn’t been telling her—like the freaky way she could imitate the human torch, or the reaper-like creatures on her trail, or the two opposingly steamy misfits working to psychologically win her over. Now uncovering the truth about her past is the only thing that may save her from the monsters on her trail—all of them.



What do you have sitting in the attic, earning dust?